PlayStation Portable
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation Portable.
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James Pond 2 (Recompile) - A platforming classic from the 90's goes ultrawide
Gary Riches has released a native C++ recompile of the 1991 Amiga game James Pond 2: Codename RoboCod, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck. This modern overhaul introduces widescreen support, smooth performance, controller rumble, and a save system, preserving the classic's legacy for contemporary hardware.
Toy Story 3 Complete Edition Review – Lotso Fun
Toy Story 3 Complete Edition is a solid remaster of the 2010 licensed platformer, bringing the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions to modern platforms like the PlayStation 5. While it misses content from other original versions and suffers from some floaty controls and input lag, the game offers enjoyable story and Toy Box modes with plenty of variety. The remaster provides a conservative visual upgrade with support for 4K and 60 FPS, making it a charming experience for fans of the Toy Story IP and platforming games.
Ratatan review - the unofficial return of Patapon
Ratatan is a spiritual successor to the rhythm action game Patapon, developed by original creator Hiroyuki Kotani. It features similar beat-synced command gameplay with a new cast of characters and adds a roguelite structure with meta-progression. While praised for its unique art style and gameplay, the rhythm mechanics can feel repetitive and the difficulty curve is steep.
Games Inbox: When will the next mainline Zelda game be out?
Readers discuss the potential release window for the next mainline Legend of Zelda game, with speculation pointing towards 2029 or later due to development times. Other topics include opinions on Gears of War: E-Day's repetitive gameplay, the return of Star Wars Zero Company staff, and concerns about explicit content in Grand Theft Auto 6.
Former Sony exec reveals Nintendo's sweary response to original PSP reveal
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden shared an anecdote about a Nintendo employee's profane reaction to the original PlayStation Portable reveal. Despite the PSP's success, Layden believes piracy and Sony's struggle to market multiple platforms simultaneously contributed to the PlayStation Vita's lower sales and Sony's eventual exit from the dedicated handheld market.
Ex-PlayStation boss recalls Nintendo employee's reaction to the PSP reveal: "You bastards"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden recalled a Nintendo employee's visceral reaction to the PlayStation Portable reveal, highlighting the intense handheld competition of the mid-2000s. Despite Sony's struggles with marketing and piracy, the PSP achieved significant sales, though Layden suggests a dedicated company might be needed for future handheld ventures.
Ape Escape return teased by insider as hopes raised for new Astro Bot game
A reliable insider suggests that Sony Interactive Entertainment is planning a return for the Ape Escape franchise. While the original developer Japan Studio is unlikely to be involved, and Bandai Namco has also been ruled out, the project is reportedly in development. This news comes as anticipation grows for a potential new Astro Bot game from Team Asobi.
A 32-year-old JRPG classic that's only been released in English on PSP is being revived for modern consoles and PC…
Neowiz is reviving the 1994 JRPG The Legend of Heroes 3: The White Witch for PC and consoles, with an updated adaptation planned. This classic title, previously only officially localized in English for the PlayStation Portable, will be released under its original Japanese naming convention. The publisher aims to recapture the emotional experience of the original while appealing to both new and returning players.
Review – Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion (Switch 2)
The Nintendo Switch 2 port of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion is praised as the definitive way to experience the game, offering a smooth, visually appealing performance. While the action RPG's core story and gameplay are solid, the narrative is criticized for veering into fan fiction territory, and the DMW system is deemed bizarre and inconsistent, though it shines in the final moments.
Unique PSP Adventure Game Gets PlayStation 5 Remaster
City Connection has announced Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jong REMASTER, a remaster of a 2009 Japanese adventure game originally released for PlayStation Portable, will launch for PlayStation 5 in Japan in 2027. The game features mahjong battles with serious consequences and includes PSP-exclusive content alongside new remaster enhancements and bonus content.
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 2: The Old Toys
This guide explores older handheld consoles like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS as viable options for JRPG players, especially those interested in retro gaming. It highlights their extensive libraries, including classic PS1 and PSP titles for the Vita, and a broad range of Nintendo games and Shin Megami Tensei titles for the 3DS, emphasizing the value of original hardware for specific game series.
Sony can’t support a PS6 home and portable console warns ex-PlayStation boss
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden warns that Sony would struggle to support both a traditional home console and a handheld model for the PlayStation 6. He cites past difficulties with the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3, arguing that splitting resources between two distinct hardware lines would dilute focus and hinder success.
If PS6 handheld rumors are real, ex-PlayStation boss suggests Sony skip a home console because it "really struggles to sell 2 different pieces of hardware at the same time"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden suggests Sony struggles to market two hardware platforms simultaneously, citing past difficulties with the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. He speculates that if Sony releases a PlayStation 6 handheld, they might consolidate their gaming activities around that single platform, potentially skipping a traditional home console.
Persona 1 and 2 remakes are something Atlus will 'probably eventually do', which is great, but the PS2-era Shin Megami Tensei games are sitting right there
Atlus producer Kazuhisa Wada stated that remakes of Persona 1 and 2 are likely to happen eventually, viewing them as cultural preservation. However, the author argues that Atlus and Sega should prioritize reissuing the PS2-era Shin Megami Tensei games, such as Digital Devil Saga, and the Nintendo 3DS exclusive Shin Megami Tensei 4, before tackling the Persona titles.
Review – The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero / Trails to Azure (PlayStation 5)
This review covers the PlayStation 5 versions of The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure, which are remasters of PSP titles. The games are praised for their engaging narratives, charming characters, and excellent music, though the graphics are noted as simplistic due to their origins. The combat system is tactical, and features like high-speed mode and Master Quartz are highlighted. While Trails to Azure is a direct sequel to Trails from Zero, both are recommended for their deep worldbuilding and storytelling.
PlayStation 5 Remake of Beloved PSP RPG Gets Release Date
The PlayStation 5 remake of the PSP RPG Fate/Extra Record, co-developed by Meteorise and TYPE-MOON and published by Aniplex, will launch on January 28, 2027. The game features strategic command battles and deck-building mechanics as players fight in the Holy Grail War within the digital realm of SE.RA.PH.
The Nintendo ports of Metal Gear Solid 4 replace the iconic PS3 and PSP in-game consoles with generic variants
The Nintendo Switch versions of Metal Gear Solid 4, included in the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 2, have replaced PlayStation-specific consoles and controllers with generic variants. References to the PlayStation 3, PSP, and DualShock 3 controllers have been altered or removed, with a Kerotan frog appearing in place of the PS3 on some versions. While PC and other console versions retain the original PlayStation branding, these changes on Nintendo platforms are speculated to be a requirement from Nintendo.
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Is An Exciting Return To Metal Gear’s Past
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 includes Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Metal Gear Solid: Ghost Babel. While Metal Gear Solid 4 retains its cutscene-heavy nature and dated controls, it runs well on PC and Steam Deck. Peace Walker offers digestible missions perfect for quick play sessions, and Ghost Babel is a charming showcase of early Metal Gear Solid design.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 (PS5) Review: Kept You Waiting, Huh?
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 brings Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker to modern platforms, offering significant performance upgrades like 4K resolution and 60 FPS. While the games themselves are praised, the collection suffers from the same issues as its predecessor, including a lack of unified front-end and minimal bonus video content. It includes fewer titles than Vol. 1, with only the Game Boy Color's Metal Gear spin-off joining the two main entries.
